Published: Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 25, 2013 at 6:06 p.m.

A growing list of qualifications for a new city manager in Hendersonville is coming together like an advertisement for the perfect nanny in the Disney film "Mary Poppins."

Representatives of Developmental Solutions LLC, an executive recruiting firm out of Chapel Hill, met with leaders, city employees and a few members of the public Monday to draft its ad for the ideal candidate.

Citizens were quizzed on the competencies and responsibilities of the next city manager and the issues they think will be faced by both leaders and the community in the future.

At a meeting with the consultants on Jan. 8, members of City Council weighed in. They are looking for someone who is strong with a budget, creative with funding, confident with character and who maintains a good relationship with the public and news media.

With the city of Asheville embroiled in a fight with state legislators over relinquishing its water utility to a regional authority, the council noted that it would be good to have a competent fighter on their side.

"I don't know how this water situation is going to evolve, but Hendersonville is not out of the discussion, I'll put it that way," said Councilman Jerry Smith, adding that the best candidate needs to be a dedicated advocate for the city.

Councilman Ron Stephens said the city manager needs to work closely with the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development to recruit new industries and jobs. The manager also needs to be able to work well with the county.

"I see a lot more potential for development here," said interim City Manager Lee Galloway. "Hendersonville is poised for growth."

He said planning issues may spring from pressures for growth.

Smith said the city should look to the "triple-As" and find someone who is able, available and affable. Hendersonville needs someone who is friendly, very competent, someone who's around and not hidden in his office, who doesn't screen calls and who is able to deliver services in a nonpolitical way, he added.

Mayor Barbara Volk said that when unpleasant incidents arise, she would feel better if the city manager had the "maturity" to handle public outcry.

The council agreed that if they could find someone like the city's last manager, Bo Ferguson, they'd be golden.

<p>"If you want this choice position, have a cheery disposition..." </p><p>A growing list of qualifications for a new city manager in Hendersonville is coming together like an advertisement for the perfect nanny in the Disney film "Mary Poppins."</p><p>Representatives of Developmental Solutions LLC, an executive recruiting firm out of Chapel Hill, met with leaders, city employees and a few members of the public Monday to draft its ad for the ideal candidate.</p><p>Citizens were quizzed on the competencies and responsibilities of the next city manager and the issues they think will be faced by both leaders and the community in the future.</p><p>At a meeting with the consultants on Jan. 8, members of City Council weighed in. They are looking for someone who is strong with a budget, creative with funding, confident with character and who maintains a good relationship with the public and news media.</p><p>With the city of Asheville embroiled in a fight with state legislators over relinquishing its water utility to a regional authority, the council noted that it would be good to have a competent fighter on their side.</p><p>"I don't know how this water situation is going to evolve, but Hendersonville is not out of the discussion, I'll put it that way," said Councilman Jerry Smith, adding that the best candidate needs to be a dedicated advocate for the city.</p><p>Councilman Ron Stephens said the city manager needs to work closely with the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development to recruit new industries and jobs. The manager also needs to be able to work well with the county.</p><p>"I see a lot more potential for development here," said interim City Manager Lee Galloway. "Hendersonville is poised for growth."</p><p>He said planning issues may spring from pressures for growth.</p><p>Smith said the city should look to the "triple-As" and find someone who is able, available and affable. Hendersonville needs someone who is friendly, very competent, someone who's around and not hidden in his office, who doesn't screen calls and who is able to deliver services in a nonpolitical way, he added.</p><p>Mayor Barbara Volk said that when unpleasant incidents arise, she would feel better if the city manager had the "maturity" to handle public outcry.</p><p>The council agreed that if they could find someone like the city's last manager, Bo Ferguson, they'd be golden.</p><p>Reach Weaver at emily.weaver@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7867.</p>